Your Handy Guide To Workwear Clothes
For Your Business
Safety plays an important role in any workplace, but particularly in
industries like construction, manufacturing, and other high risk environments.
In these workplaces, safety workwear, including hi vis clothing, is crucial.
The right protective clothing can make the difference between a safe workday
and a dangerous one. But which types of workwear do your employees need?
As experts in safety workwear, phs Besafe provides suitable workwear for a
range of industries, helping to make workplaces all over the UK safer places to
be. In this guide, we’ll explore why safety workwear is important and explain
the different types of workwear your industry could need, and how you can
provide it for your employees.
Why is workwear important?
In industries where physical risks are part of the job, safety work clothing
is essential for protecting employees from potential harm. Properly designed
workwear can guard against hazards such as falling objects, exposure to harmful
chemicals, extreme weather, and machinery related accidents. Not only this, but
providing safety workwear ensures compliance with health and safety
regulations, like the Health
and Safety at Work Act 1974. This can help businesses avoid legal
issues and promote a safer work environment. Providing workwear to your
employees can also help create a more professional working environment, helping
employees take more pride in their work.
What industries need different types of workwear?
Safety workwear clothes protect workers in many industries and job roles,
with some of the most common being:
A wide selection of workwear is necessary to meet the diverse needs of these
industries.
Construction
Construction sites are filled with hazards, and safety workwear is a
critical form of defence against injuries. High visibility jackets ensure
workers are seen in busy or low light environments, while hard hats protect
from head injuries. Steel toed boots provide foot protection, and gloves shield
hands from sharp objects or chemicals. Other essential items can include
protective eyewear, ear defenders, and flame resistant clothing, all designed
to keep workers safe from the various hazards of a construction site.
Manufacturing
In manufacturing environments, workers are often exposed to machinery, heat, chemicals, and other potentially dangerous elements. Flame retardant clothing or clothing to protect against limited chemical splash. For certain roles, full body protection, such as overalls and additional protection like aprons all made from the correct protective fabrics, may be necessary to prevent exposure to hazardous substances or extreme temperatures.
Warehousing
Workers in warehouses can face a variety of risks related to lifting, operating heavy machinery like forklifts, or working in environments with moving vehicles, whether low or high speed. High visibility clothing is essential in these spaces to ensure that workers are easily seen. Safety workwear in this industry is key, and keeps protecting employees from injuries due to heavy lifting or being struck by moving equipment.
Chemical and hi vis clothing
The chemical industry is another where specialist safety workwear may be required. It can sometimes be in these environments that a multi functional garment is needed to protect from multiple risks, such as heat or flame, chemical splash, or static risks. The correct clothing is essential to minimise the risk of burns, chemical exposure, or static induced explosions. Workwear in this industry must be able to withstand harsh environments while offering maximum protection against varying hazardous conditions.
Types of Workwear
Workwear is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of clothing and gear designed for specific industries and occupations. Understanding the different types of workwear is essential for ensuring safety, comfort, and productivity on the job. From high visibility jackets to durable cargo trousers, the right workwear can make a significant difference in the workplace. Different types of workwear are tailored to meet the unique demands of various jobs, ensuring that employees are well protected and able to perform their tasks efficiently.
Industrial Workwear
Industrial workwear is designed for workers in all working sectors from manufacturing, construction, and other associated heavy industries. This type of workwear typically includes durable and rugged clothing from boilersuits and cargo trousers, to work shirts and jackets. Industrial workwear often features high quality materials, multiple pockets, and reinforced seams to withstand the demands of physically demanding jobs. These garments are built to last, providing both protection and comfort to workers who face tough conditions daily.
Service Industry Workwear
I would maybe remove this as hospitality, healthcare and retail are not industries we serve so don't want to give the impression we do.
Choosing Quality Workwear
Choosing quality workwear is essential for ensuring safety, comfort, and productivity on the job. When selecting workwear, consider the following factors:
• Durability: Look for workwear made from high quality materials that can withstand the demands of your job. Durable clothing ensures long term use and better protection.
• Comfort: Choose workwear that is comfortable and breathable to prevent fatigue and discomfort. Comfortable employees are more productive and less likely to experience work related injuries.
• Safety: Consider workwear that meets safety standards and regulations for your industry. Proper safety workwear can protect against specific hazards and reduce the risk of accidents.
• Style: Select workwear that projects a professional image and meets your company’s dress code. Stylish workwear can boost employee morale and present a positive image to clients and customers.
Investing in quality workwear is an investment in your employees’ well being and your business’s success.
Workwear Essentials
IWorkwear essentials are the must have items that every worker needs to
perform their job safely and effectively. Here are some of the most essential
workwear items:
Tops and Bottoms
·
Polo shirts:
A classic choice for work attire,
polo shirts are comfortable, breathable, and easy to care for. They are ideal
for a range of industries.
·
T-shirts:
A versatile and affordable option, t-shirts are perfect for casual work
environments. They offer comfort and ease of movement, making them suitable for
various job roles.
·
Work trousers:
Durable and rugged, work trousers are designed for physically demanding jobs
and often feature multiple pockets and reinforced seams. They provide the
necessary protection and functionality for industrial settings.
By equipping your employees with these workwear essentials, you can enhance
their safety, comfort, and overall job performance.
What are your duties as an employer to provide workwear to employees?
As an employer in industries requiring safety workwear, you have a legal
obligation to provide employees with appropriate protective clothing. Under the
Personal
Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (updated in 2022),
employers must ensure that PPE (including safety workwear) is provided to
employees where there are risks to their health and safety that cannot be
adequately controlled by other means. The workwear must comply with the
necessary safety standards for your industry and offer sufficient protection
against the specific risks workers may encounter, such as hazardous substances,
sharp objects, or extreme temperatures. You must also provide replacements when
workwear becomes damaged or worn out.
You are also responsible for maintaining the workwear, whether by offering
laundry services or ensuring employees have the means to clean and care for
their protective clothing. Neglecting these duties could lead to non compliance
with health and safety regulations, putting your workers at risk and exposing
your business to legal penalties.
Top tips for making it easier for your employees to manage their quality
workwear
Safety workwear clothing can be a vital part of your employee’s jobs, so it’s important that as an employer, you carry out Risk Assessments for your employees and make it as easy as possible for them to manage their workwear. Some of the ways you can do this include:
Multiple sets of workwear
Provide multiple sets of workwear clothes to ensure employees always have
access to clean, functional safety workwear. This way, they’ll have a spare set
ready if their primary one needs cleaning or repair. Having backup garments reduces
downtime and helps ensure that safety standards are maintained at all times.
Use a managed laundry service
Implementing a managed laundry service for your employees’ workwear clothing
can make a significant difference. This service will collect, clean, and return
safety clothing to your staff, ensuring that items are maintained to the
highest standards of hygiene and functionality. This is especially useful in
industries like oil and gas or manufacturing, where contaminated or soiled
clothing could pose a serious risk if not properly cleaned.
phs Besafe provides a managed
laundry service, with reliable, professional workwear laundry
services to ensure your employees always have access to clean, well maintained
workwear.
Invest in durable, easy care fabrics
When selecting safety workwear, choose garments made from durable materials. This not only extends the life of the clothing but also ensures that employees spend less time worrying about care and maintenance. High quality fabrics designed for industrial washing can withstand repeated cleaning without losing their protective properties when handled in the correct manner. Whereas, home washing can damage protective properties not offering the wearer the intended protection
Regular inspections and replacements
Establish a routine for inspecting workwear to ensure that it is still in
good condition. Protective garments can degrade over time, especially when
exposed to harsh conditions. By regularly checking for wear and tear and
replacing damaged items promptly, you’ll ensure that employees are always fully
protected.
If you choose a managed laundry service from phs Besafe, we will take care
of inspections and replacements on your behalf.
Create clear storage areas
Designated lockers in changing areas allow employees to store their workwear securely and properly when not in use. This designated lockers for it's intended wearers, prevents damage and ensures their gear remains clean and ready for the next shift. Proper storage also extends the life of the garments and keeps them in optimal condition for safety
Making your workplace safer with phs Besafe
At phs Besafe, we can support your workplace in maintaining health and
safety with the help of our safety products and services. We stock a wide
selection of workwear, helping you find the exact products you need for your
industry. Explore our full
product range to see what’s available.
In addition to safety workwear clothing, we also provide commercial laundry
services, helping to ensure your employees’ workwear is always fresh
and ready to protect.
Contact phs Besafe
today for a free quote.